Glass House in Germany Is the Ultimate Modern Retreat

Completed by , Villa K is a striking modern residence in Thuringia, Germany. The project, built using glass, steel and concrete, employed a series of sustainable principles.

“The entrance, technical areas, pantry, hunting room and garage, with room for six cars, are located on the north side, integrated into the slope of the mountain,” the architects said. “The complete roof structure of the villa is covered with moss and sedum, alternated with solar cells.”

All interiors are minimalist, with a neutral color scheme redirecting attention outdoors. The floor-to-ceiling windows open up the entire building to the views of the valley below.

The glass house generates its own energy from solar cells on the roof and the outdoor deck. A heat pump heats the home in cold weather and cools the house in summer.

“A U-shaped terrace is constructed around the living area,” the architects said. “The pool intersects the interior of the house while extending toward the southern edge, which makes it seem to float above the hill.” [Information provided by Paul de Ruiter Architects; photography by and ]